Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie or Pattaya?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Pattaya or Zhangjiajie?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Pattaya and Zhangjiajie can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Pattaya or Zhangjiajie?
Pattaya
Go where the locals go. If that is your vacation motto, you will want to take a look at the popular weekend getaway of Pattaya, Thailand. This seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand is just outside of Bangkok, and full of resorts, beer bars and beaches.
Hosting more than five million visitors a year, Pattaya is easily accessed from the capital and the airport. Keep in mind, the sex tourism industry is still a large money earner for this city, but efforts by local authorities have created resorts and attractions for families and vacationers from all around the world.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bangkok, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Phuket, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPattaya $66Zhangjiajie $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Pattaya is $66, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $63. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pattaya and Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPattaya $24Zhangjiajie $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPattaya $48Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Pattaya and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Pattaya or Zhangjiajie? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pattaya Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pattaya $12Zhangjiajie $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pattaya
Also for Pattaya, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Surat Thani Hotel Transfer: to/from Bangkok Hotel Transfer: $419
- Skydive from 13,000 Feet with Hotel Transfers: $228
- Private Transfer from Pattaya to Ayutthaya: $175
- One-Way Private Transfer to Hua Hin: $168
- Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $159
- Bangkok Private Transfer from Pattaya city to Bangkok (BKK) Airport: $142
- Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $141
- Pattaya Hotel Transfer: to/from Hua Hin Hotel Transfer: $129
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $120
- Private Transfer from Rayong to Suvarnabhumi (BKK) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from Laem Chabang to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $112
- Private Transfer from Sattahip to Don Mueang (DMK) Airport: $102
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Pattaya or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie and Pattaya change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayPattaya $22Zhangjiajie $20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pattaya
For Pattaya, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- All Star Dinner Cruise, Cabaret Show & Beer Buffet: $32
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pattaya $21Zhangjiajie $23
Tours and Activities in Pattaya
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pattaya.
- 2 Islands Full Day Tour Catamaran with Lunch in Pattaya: $102
- 3 Days Thailand Motorcycle Coastal Tour: $1,054
- 5 Days – Motorcycle tour to River Kwai and Khao Yai: $1,757
- A Superstar Model Experience in Pattaya with Photo Expert: $112
- ATV & Buggy Adventures Pattaya - Novice Rider 27km Basic Track: $99
- Admission Ticket to Ramayana Water Park in Pattaya: $33
- All Star Cabaret Cruise Pattaya with Indian Buffet Lunch: $42
- Amazing Discovery Pattaya Tours with Floating Market & Lunch : $75
- Art in Paradise Pattaya Admission Ticket: $6.00
- Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket: $12
- Art in Paradise at Pattaya Admission Ticket (3D Art ): $12
- Art in Paradise: 3D Art Museum Entry Ticket in Pattaya: $14
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Half-Day Self-Guided Fenghuang Night Tour from Zhangjiajie: $200
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
- 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour: $260
- 2-Day Zhangjiajie Happy Foodie&Sightseeing Tour: $300
- 2-Day Zhangjiajie Tour Including Yuanjiajie Mountains: $550
- 2-Full Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour : $284
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPattaya $8.18Zhangjiajie $16
When comparing the travel costs between Pattaya and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Pattaya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Pattaya Expensive? and Is Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pattaya or Zhangjiajie?
Pattaya has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Pattaya and Zhangjiajie, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Pattaya or Zhangjiajie?
Zhangjiajie has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Pattaya experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Pattaya or Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
Both Zhangjiajie and Pattaya are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Pattaya throughout the year.
Pattaya is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie in the summer. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. In July, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Pattaya gets 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPattaya 29°C (84°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
Both Zhangjiajie and Pattaya during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Pattaya because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the autumn, Pattaya is much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pattaya in October average around 28°C (82°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Pattaya. Pattaya usually gets more rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Pattaya gets 258 mm (10.2 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Pattaya. June to October is the rainy season in Pattaya.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPattaya 28°C (82°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pattaya and Zhangjiajie. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Pattaya year-round.
In January, Pattaya is generally much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Pattaya average around 27°C (80°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In January, Pattaya usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Pattaya gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPattaya 27°C (80°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Pattaya or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Pattaya as well as Zhangjiajie. Pattaya attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Pattaya is much warmer than Zhangjiajie in the spring. The daily temperature in Pattaya averages around 30°C (86°F) in April, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. Pattaya usually gets less rain in April than Zhangjiajie. Pattaya gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Pattaya is the dry season. June to October in Pattaya is the rainy season.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPattaya 30°C (86°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Pattaya
| Pattaya | Zhangjiajie | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 27°C (80°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 28°C (82°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 29°C (85°F) | 62 mm (2.5 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 30°C (86°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 30°C (85°F) | 202 mm (7.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (85°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.2 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.